A covenant not to defend myself from force by force is…
![“A covenant not to defend myself from force by force is always void. For ... no man can transfer or lay down his Right to save himself. For the right men have by Nature to protect themselves, when none else can protect them, can by no Covenant be relinquished. ... [The right] to defend ourselves…” quote by Thomas Hobbes](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/1f0/thomas-hobbes-1127_covenant_a-covenant-not-to-defend-myself-from-for_803261.jpg)
“A covenant not to defend myself from force by force is always void. For ... no man can transfer or lay down his Right to save himself. For the right men have by Nature to protect themselves, when none else can protect them, can by no Covenant be relinquished. ... [The right] to defend ourselves [is the] summe of the Right of Nature.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Natural right to self‑defense cannot be relinquished; any covenant denying it is invalid.
In simple terms: You cannot give up your right to protect yourself.
Key Takeaway
Defend your inherent rights.
Themes
rights
self‑defense
law
Mood
serious
philosophical
Type
legal
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal safety
- legal rights
- political theory
Key Concepts
natural law
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- When is self‑defense justified?
- How do societies balance individual and collective safety?
A Different Perspective
Self‑defense may conflict with collective security.